Sixers must figure out Markelle Fultz's role, and now is the time to do it

Markelle Fultz’s start to the NBA season has been hit-or-miss, to put it gently. It’s been some good and a fair amount that needs improvement. Obviously, everyone involved in the situation is well aware of that, but we’ve seen the former No. 1 pick play limited minutes in the first three games.

The Philadelphia 76ers are 2-1 currently, but it hasn’t been easy to get there. Aside from a big win over the Chicago Bulls, the Sixers needed a late 3-pointer from JJ Redick against the Orlando Magic to get above .500 on the season.

While Fultz has played 24 and 23 minutes in the two games which weren’t blowout wins, it’s led to some calling for him to see more floor time.

Those who want to see more Fultz aren’t wrong, at least to some extent, but the Sixers need to utilize him in ways that play to his strengths. Thus far, he hasn’t thrived playing off the ball next to Ben Simmons, and our own Josh Naso actually broke down why Fultz playing with the ball in his hands while leading the second unit is ideal.

Related

The second-year guard is one of the NBA’s great unknowns at this point. He thrived in his lone season at the University of Washington, shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc. So far this season, Fultz has shot 33.3 percent through three games while averaging 8.3 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds.

Although there doesn’t seem to be massive concerns over Fultz’s jump shot at this moment, Brett Brown and company need to figure out the best way to evaluate how high his ceiling can truly be. They’d be far better off doing it early in the year as opposed to shifting his role around after the All-Star break as the Sixers battles for position in the Eastern Conference.

Time will tell, but Philly needs to find out exactly what the future looks like for the 20-year-old. Whether it’s as a key member of the second unit, potential starter or none of the above, the answer will make everything easier for the Sixers moving forward.